2010 Porsche Panamera Features Review

There are few stones left unturned in the 2010 Porsche Panamera's features and options portfolio. The exhaustive list of features fitted to the Panamera include cruise control; dual-zone climate control; leather seating; a panoramic sunroof; a navigation system also used in the Cayenne that has crisp displays and customizable maps; Bluetooth control for hands-free phone operation; and roller controls on the steering wheel that set the standard for tuning audio and entertainment features on the go.

The base Porsche Panamera S starts at just under $90,000 and features "a sunroof, adaptive bi-xenon headlights...eight-way power front seats," and a standard "hard-drive-based navigation system and an 11-speaker CD audio system," according to Edmunds. The navigation system itself is intuitive and looks good, but the best part is that Cars.com says the system includes "a second navigation display embedded in the instrument panel." The 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S features a similar equipment list, but it gets a four-wheel-drive system that boosts the base price to $93,800. Edmunds reports that the ultra-exclusive Porsche Panamera Turbo adds "front parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, 10-way power front seats and adjustable lumbar support," as well as a "14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system."

For those who want more than the "base" amenities on the 2010 Porsche Panamera, Edmunds says that the lineup is "highly customizable," but both Edmunds and other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com warn customers to "watch out for price-inflating options." Among those options, Motor Trend raves about "the sparkling clarity of the optional 1000 watt, 16 speaker Burmeister high-end sound system," while Cars.com points out that "a dual-screen entertainment system is available for backseat-passenger enjoyment." The sound system scores particularly highly among reviewers, with Cars.com claiming that it provides "the best road-going audio [they've] ever heard." All versions of the 2010 Porsche Panamera can be equipped with the Sport Chrono Package, which ConsumerGuide says will allow drivers to adjust "powertrain and suspension tuning to suit high-performance driving." Other options include choice of wood, carbon-fiber, aluminum, or piano-black trim (the matte wood finish is particularly fine); a rear-seat entertainment system; custom-fitted luggage; four-zone climate control; and XM Satellite Radio. Adaptive cruise control is available, as are sport seats and heating and ventilation for all seating positions.

A final note: while other German car companies have moved to centralized functions and a balky controller, Porsche uses lots of buttons for vehicle functions-a decision to be applauded, though it clutters the Panamera's dash.